Does USCIS check whether I am paying taxes in the US?

USCIS is not the agency that enforces tax compliance (that role belongs to the IRS). Even so, the practical answer is: meeting your tax obligations can factor into the review of your EB-2 NIW petition and other immigration processes.

At certain points, USCIS may request documents such as income tax returns. These serve as evidence that you respect the country’s laws and that your presence and activities are in good standing, which tends to be viewed favorably.

For that reason, keeping your tax affairs in order is a good practice:

• Keep copies of your tax returns and supporting documents.
• Ensure consistency between what you report to the IRS and what you submit to USCIS.
• Resolve any outstanding issues before they become a problem in your case.

Because every case and every requirement has its own nuances, it is worth confirming what applies to your situation with USCIS or a qualified specialist, to avoid surprises along the way.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.